Pasta is a well-loved dish all over the world for various reasons. It’s versatile and has all the flavors that are just mouthwatering. If you add in different things, you’re in for an exciting meal. Pasta, like any other meal, must be enjoyed but in moderation, since it’s incredibly fattening. So, for weight-conscious people who happen to be pasta lovers as well, this is just one of their struggles. As an alternative, there are several healthy pasta alternatives to choose from. One of them is going for a gluten-free diet.
What Is a Gluten-Free Diet?
Going for a gluten-free diet is about eliminating foods in their diet that contain gluten—a type of protein that is found in wheat and other grains. This means only consuming whole foods without gluten, like fruits and vegetables, eggs and meat, and gluten free pasta and bread. Gluten is a binding agent and flavouring and may exist in foods you wouldn’t expect. Contrary to what most people think, it’s not about eliminating carbohydrates altogether since some foods naturally have carbs. It’s more about being mindful of the foods that are consumed.
As previously mentioned, pasta is such a popular dish that it’s hard to resist. So, for health-conscious people, gluten-free pasta is a good substitute. Here are some great examples.
Brown Rice Pasta
One of the most popular examples of gluten-free pasta is brown rice pasta, which has a milder and chewy texture. It’s an excellent substitute for traditional pasta because it is gluten-free, a good source of fibre, and packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are potent compounds that promote better health.
Chickpea Pasta
A newer type of gluten-free pasta that has gained a lot of attention from health-conscious people everywhere is chickpea pasta. From the name itself, it’s pretty apparent that it has chickpea flavour in it, but it is also quite similar to regular pasta. It’s chewy and high in protein and fibre, which helps reduce the calorie intake throughout the whole day.
Quinoa Pasta
From the name itself, quinoa pasta is made from its main ingredient, quinoa, along with other grains like rice and corn. It has a slightly grainy texture with some nutty flavour. Quinoa pasta is nutritious and serves plenty of health benefits since it is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, and magnesium.
Multigrain Pasta
A multigrain pasta is quite similar in texture and taste to the traditional pasta we all love. It is made using a blend of various grains, such as corn, buckwheat, rice, millet, and amaranth. It’s a great alternative, most especially for people with celiac disease or who are gluten-sensitive. However, it’s essential to avoid any additives and ingredients containing gluten.
Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Since anyone can benefit from eating more vegetables, squash pasta is an interesting dish you can try. Its main ingredient, squash, is packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent substitute with a slightly sweet flavour. Add some parmesan cheese or tomato sauce.